TAMPA, Fla. — The Palm Beach Atlantic volleyball team fell to the University of West Florida in a tightly contested five-set match, 3-2, on Thursday at the Bob Martinez Athletics Center in the first round of the NCAA South Region tournament.
Despite a strong performance with a season-high 79 kills and 75 assists, the Sailfish were edged out in the final set, 20-18. The Argos matched the 'Fish's hitting percentage at .291, securing the victory with critical plays in the decisive moments.
Nae Jordan led the team with a career-high 26 kills on 53 attempts, posting a .415 hitting percentage.
Sydney Corbett set a season-high with 22 kills, hitting .217 from the outside with seven digs.
Grace Reynolds facilitated the offense with a career-high 70 assists, setting a PBA DII-era record while also collecting 15 digs and three blocks.
Harper Stokes was effective at the net, finishing with five total blocks along with 11 kills and a .400 hitting percentage.
Eduarda Dutra totaled 16 digs throughout the match as libero.
Kelsey Rogers added nine kills while hitting .400 with three blocks.
"An incredible match to cap an awesome season," PBA head coach Jeff Huebner said. "I'm so proud to be associated with these people. Grace, to me, is the best setter in D2, and continues to amaze me with her leadership. Nae and Sydney both were lights out for our team in a tough spot and came up with big play after big play. We are so grateful for the support from administration, athletic training, families and 'Fish fans who invested in our people. We are so proud to represent PBA for you all."
PBA started the first set strongly with
Kelsey Rogers securing the opening point through a kill assisted by Reynolds. Despite early exchanges of points, UWF gained momentum, expanding its lead to 6–2. The 'Fish responded with a series of kills from Stokes and Jordan, narrowing the gap to 8–5. Rogers and Reynolds continued to be pivotal, each contributing critical points that kept the Sailfish within striking distance at 12–11. However, the Argos maintained their lead, eventually closing the set at 25–20.
The Sailfish seized momentum in the second set, capitalizing on UWF's errors. Key contributions came from Jordan and Corbett, each delivering impactful kills. Rogers also added a service ace, contributing to a lead mid-set. Reynolds effectively facilitated the offensive plays, consistently assisting her teammates. Despite the Argos' attempts to close the gap, the 'Fish maintained their composure and extended their lead towards the latter part of the set. Corbett's final two kills ensured the Sailfish secured the set with a 25-18 victory, leveling the match score.
The 'Fish showed resilience in the third set, initially taking the lead with strong performances from Corbett and Jordan. Corbett's multiple kills played a pivotal role in keeping the 'Fish in contention. Despite trailing 23-20, PBA fought back to tie the score at 23-23, with Jordan delivering crucial points. However, UWF edged out the Sailfish in a closely contested finish, ultimately taking the set 29-27.
The 'Fish started the fourth set with momentum, quickly building a 3-0 lead off a series of errors by UWF. Reynolds assisted
Rachel Smith for a critical early kill, contributing to the visitor's strong start. The Argos then rallied to tie the game at 3-3, but PBA responded with key plays, including a kill by Rogers assisted by Reynolds, keeping the score tight.
The teams remained neck and neck, trading points until late in the set. Jordan emerged as a key player for the 'Fish, delivering several kills at crucial moments, including a kill that tied the score at 26-26. The extended back-and-forth continued into extra points, but the 'Fish clinched the set with a final score of 30-28, as Smith secured the win with a decisive kill assisted by Corbett, forcing a fifth set.
The Sailfish fought hard in the deciding fifth set, with Jordan and Stokes each delivering key kills to keep the score close. A critical sequence saw Smith and Rogers combine for a block, leveling the score at 11-11, before Corbett's kill gave the Sailfish a narrow 14-13 advantage. Despite their efforts, the 'Fish could not maintain the lead as the Argos capitalized on several attack errors. UWF edged out PBA 20-18, concluding the match.
PBA concludes the season with a 22-10 overall record and a 12-8 record in Sunshine State Conference play. The 'Fish made the national tournament for the first time since 2021 and earned their most wins since the 2018 season.
